India is now world’s top ‘Ship-Recycling’ destination

India has emerged as the world’s top ship-recycling nation in 2025, according to an official government statement. The country’s share in global ship recycling rose to 35.4 per cent in 2025, up from 30.1 per cent in 2024.

As per the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the statement mentioned a sharp increase in India’s ship-recycling volumes, which reached 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) in 2025. This marks a nearly 60 per cent rise from 1.86 million GT recorded in the previous year.

With this achievement, India has met its target under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030—of becoming the world’s leading ship-recycling nation—well ahead of schedule.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the milestone reflects the success of sustained policy reforms, industry initiatives and strict adherence to international environmental and safety standards.

He added that the development reinforces India’s position as a global hub for responsible and sustainable ship recycling.

According to the statement, India’s rise to the top in ship-recycling has been driven by a coordinated strategy focusing on sustainability, regulatory reforms, infrastructure development and close industry collaboration.

With strong future demand, growing compliance with global standards, and continued government support, India is well placed to consolidate its leadership in ship recycling while advancing the goals of a circular economy and sustainable maritime development.

Indian ship breakers are joining hands with global players also to bolster the recycling of old ships across the world. Recently, Priya Blue Group, one of South Asia’s leading environmentally responsible ship recyclers, has partnered with Bahrain’s Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard (ASRY) to establish what is set to become the West Asia’s largest ship recycling facility.